My 540TM arrived Monday afternoon and I am enjoying the unit very much.
I backed it up per recommendations on this Forum via Windows Explorer; established an account with TomTom; downloaded the new version of Home (2.7.4.1962); registered code for Lifetime Maps subscription without any problem; downloaded several applications suggested by Home; downloaded the newest map (V850). Incidentally, the map fit on the device without deleting any data, with a small amount of space left over; I backed up the unit again after the various downloads/upgrades.
I enjoyed my first opportunity to use the device on Tuesday. Recently, I used a relative's Garmin Nuvi several times (the only GPS experience I have to compare against the performance of the 540). The 540 has cleaner, clearer graphics in the factory setting, but what really impressed and pleased me was the superior visual and audio directional prompts. The Garmin often did not indicate a turn until just a few hundred feet ahead, and then it would not warn you which way you would be turning. Consequently, I missed several turns with the Garmin because I simply did not have enough time to make the turn in traffic. On the other hand, the 540 begins to audibly warn of a turn well in advance, sometimes up to two miles ahead. It also indicates the turn direction with a graphic in the lower left corner of the screen and the distance remaining to the turn. The street you will be turning on is clearly displayed at the top of the screen. The voice regularly prompts as to the correct lane(s) to be in, etc. It is far superior to the Nuvi I used and really helpful (in a busy metropolitan area with lots of traffic and confusing street options). The screen is uncluttered, enabling you to focus on your route without visual distraction, but plenty of detail is provided when needed (names and visuals of the cross streets you will pass as you approach your turn, for example). I have a lot to learn about the device, but already appreciate it very much.
Is it recommended to just leave the suction cup on the window and detach the GPS unit from it if you want to take the unit into the house, carry with your, or conceal it somewhere in the car?
Any suggestions as to the next steps I should take to best advance my knowledge and effective use of the 540 will be much appreciated. Again, my thanks to those who responded to my first thread with various helpful comments.
Ged
540TM
I backed it up per recommendations on this Forum via Windows Explorer; established an account with TomTom; downloaded the new version of Home (2.7.4.1962); registered code for Lifetime Maps subscription without any problem; downloaded several applications suggested by Home; downloaded the newest map (V850). Incidentally, the map fit on the device without deleting any data, with a small amount of space left over; I backed up the unit again after the various downloads/upgrades.
I enjoyed my first opportunity to use the device on Tuesday. Recently, I used a relative's Garmin Nuvi several times (the only GPS experience I have to compare against the performance of the 540). The 540 has cleaner, clearer graphics in the factory setting, but what really impressed and pleased me was the superior visual and audio directional prompts. The Garmin often did not indicate a turn until just a few hundred feet ahead, and then it would not warn you which way you would be turning. Consequently, I missed several turns with the Garmin because I simply did not have enough time to make the turn in traffic. On the other hand, the 540 begins to audibly warn of a turn well in advance, sometimes up to two miles ahead. It also indicates the turn direction with a graphic in the lower left corner of the screen and the distance remaining to the turn. The street you will be turning on is clearly displayed at the top of the screen. The voice regularly prompts as to the correct lane(s) to be in, etc. It is far superior to the Nuvi I used and really helpful (in a busy metropolitan area with lots of traffic and confusing street options). The screen is uncluttered, enabling you to focus on your route without visual distraction, but plenty of detail is provided when needed (names and visuals of the cross streets you will pass as you approach your turn, for example). I have a lot to learn about the device, but already appreciate it very much.
Is it recommended to just leave the suction cup on the window and detach the GPS unit from it if you want to take the unit into the house, carry with your, or conceal it somewhere in the car?
Any suggestions as to the next steps I should take to best advance my knowledge and effective use of the 540 will be much appreciated. Again, my thanks to those who responded to my first thread with various helpful comments.
Ged
540TM
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